Pools made an impressive signing last fortnight with the addition of former Newcastle United and Brighton winger, Kazenga LuaLua.

The 33-year-old has played over 200 games in the Championship, while also winning the League One title twice.

With Lomana LuaLua, Kazenga’s brother, also enjoying a successful career in football, it was always in the blood.

“It was always about football,” stated Kazenga.

“It’s a family thing. My dad was a footballer back home in Africa and my oldest brother enjoying playing too, but didn’t play professionally.

“Lomana, my other brother, joined Colchester and we all moved to the North East when he signed for Newcastle.

“It was really nice and inspiring to see him play for Newcastle, and that drove me further to forge my own career in the game.

“I had quite a few managers during my time at Newcastle, even getting the chance to train with the first team was an unbelievable feeling.

“There were some real quality players in the squad. Alan Shearer was there when I first came through, then the likes of Shola Ameobi and Hatem Ben Arfa.

“My debut was off the bench at Stoke away in the FA Cup, that was under Sam Allardyce. Then being able to play in the Premier League and at St James Park was an experience I’ll always remember.

“I can’t explain the feeling, playing at that stadium with the fans behind you. It was a special time in my career and something I’m very privileged to have achieved.”

After beginning his career with 15 senior appearances for Newcastle, LuaLua moved south to join Brighton.

He would enjoy seven years with the Seagulls, achieving promotions from League One to the Premier League during that time.

“That was probably the best spell of my career,” he said.

“It wasn’t easy for me – I was living in Newcastle and it was a long way there. I was leaving my family behind.

“If you want to do well in your career, sometimes you’ve got to make those sacrifices, and they were really supportive of me.

“It worked out for me, I really enjoyed my time at Brighton and it was a fantastic time in my career.”

Kazenga made a name, not only from his footballing ability, but from his eccentric celebrations too.

Alongside his brother Lomana, the pair were infamous for backflipping after finding the back of the net.

“It’s not just something I thought of on the spot,” he laughed.

“Me and my brothers were really into gymnastics when we were younger. My oldest brother is really good at it.

“It depends on the moment and the game. It’s dangerous and it’s got to be saved for the best occasions.

“When Lomana was at Portsmouth, he hurt his ankle doing it and was out for a few weeks, so you have to be very careful.

“Fingers crossed I’ll be able to score and do it sometime soon here at Hartlepool.”

LuaLua left Brighton in 2018, spending time on loan at QPR before moves to Sunderland and Luton Town.

“Leaving Brighton was strange,” he said.

“When you’re at a club for so long, and it turns into home, it’s hard having to adjust and move somewhere new.

“That’s football though and things change quickly. Some moves were tough and some were really enjoyable, it was nice to get another promotion with Luton.”

He would then move to Turkey in July 2021, before a spell in Greece followed.

“It was very different,” LuaLua explained.

“It was a learning experience and I’m happy to have done it. The cultures were different to here in England, the football was a lot different as well, but it was nice to see.

“I learned a lot during my time in Turkey and Greece, and it definitely benefitted me.”

Now, back in the North East, LuaLua is fully focused on his newest challenge under Lennie Lawrence at the Prestige Group Stadium.

“It’s nice to be back home with my family,” he said.

“I trained with the squad for a month before signing, they were fantastic with me. They all made me feel welcome and it made me want to sign permanently.

“I feel fit but now I need to get some more minutes under my belt so I can help the team push on in the league.

“I’d like to thank the fans for the warm welcome and I’m looking forward to my time here.”

This interview first featured in our matchday programme against Barnet on November 30.